17/02/2023 | Press release

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC) have signed a letter of intent with Rheinmetall AG as a promising strategic source of supply for the F-35 center fuselage. This potential partnership would establish a second F-35 center fuselage integrated assembly line (IAL) in Germany, expanding the significant role European industry plays in the F-35 program.

“Lockheed Martin has been a committed partner to Germany for more than 50 years. The F-35 program will continue to strengthen our strategic partnerships with key industry partners for years to come,” said Mike Shoemaker, vice president of F-35 Customer Programs at Lockheed Martin. “The F-35 center fuselage production in Germany will be vital to meet the growing global demand for F-35s, which play a vital role in 21st Century Security.”

Northrop Grumman is a principal partner on the Lockheed Martin F-35 program. In addition to manufacturing the jet's center fuselage and wing skins, the company is also responsible for developing, producing and maintaining sensor systems, avionics, and aircraft and training software.

“The center fuselage IAL is recognized as a state-of-the-art facility supported by technologies exclusive to Northrop Grumman, seamlessly blending automation with our expertise in aerospace tooling,” said Glenn Masukawa, vice president and F-35 program manager, Northrop Grumman. “Engaging with Rheinmetall demonstrates our commitment to collaborate with international partners to manufacture advanced aircraft.”

The F-35 program continues to build on these partnerships by utilizing companies with the right technical capabilities. German industry has contributed to the F-35 program since its inception in 2001. Lockheed Martin continues to actively explore additional industrial participation opportunities that will enable partnerships across the German industry and create jobs in 5th Generation fighter aircraft manufacturing, sustainment, training, research and development.

The cooperation with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman on the F-35 program underscores Rheinmetall's importance for national security policy and will bring essential capabilities to Germany. Rheinmetall can contribute its experience both as an integrated technology group in the production of complex components and as an aviation-certified company to the cooperation.

“The long-standing partnership between Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall, as well as the very close ties that have existed for decades between the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) and our company, lead to a genuine transfer of know-how to Germany as an industrial location,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG. “Furthermore, this setup makes a significant contribution to minimizing risk by bringing in national partners that are involved in a tried-and-tested manner.”

To date, the F-35 operates from 37 bases and ships worldwide, with nine nations operating F-35s on their home soil. There are more than 890 F-35s in service today, with more than 1,890 pilots and 13,570 maintainers trained on the aircraft.

For additional information, visit www.f35.com .

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day.

About Rheinmetall

As an integrated international technology company, comprehensive systems house for all military dimensions (air, land, sea, cyber) and a renowned development partner and direct supplier to the global automotive industry the listed Rheinmetall AG has extensive expertise in the production of highly complex (weapon-) systems, assemblies and components. Rheinmetall currently employs a total of over 25,000 people at more than 130 offices and production sites worldwide.